European Union considers steps against Russia over cyber attacks

The European Union accuses Russia of targeted cyber attacks in several Member States.

The 27 EU countries call on Moscow to act responsibly and demand that "evil activities" be stopped immediately.

If the country does not do this, the EU will consider steps, foreign chief Josep Borrell reported Friday.

A Russian group called Ghostwriter, known for spreading disinformation, is believed to be responsible for cyber-attacks against MPs, government officials, politicians, journalists and civil society organizations.

The hackers seek access to computer systems, personal accounts and data.

Ghostwriter is active in Germany, among others.

The German judiciary opened investigations earlier this month into cyber attacks on German politicians that suspected Russian intelligence services were involved.

The military intelligence service GRU would play a role in the hacks.

Shortly before the elections in Germany, parliamentarians from ruling parties CDU/CSU and SPD were spied on, the German authorities said.

The European Union previously punished a group of hackers believed to be working for the GRU for breaking into the German Bundestag's computer network in 2015. Data was stolen and even Chancellor Angela Merkel's email account was not secure.